From Landless to Leaders: The Resurgent Spirit of the Cowlitz Tribe
On a bustling stretch of Interstate 5 in southwest Washington, a beacon of modern prosperity rises from the verdant landscape: the ilani casino. Its glittering facade, a testament to contemporary design and economic might, draws thousands daily, contributing millions to the state’s economy. But beneath the gleaming exterior of this successful enterprise lies a story far older, far more profound – a narrative of resilience, a struggle for identity, and an unyielding spirit that defines the Cowlitz Tribe.
For centuries, the Cowlitz people were the stewards of a vast and fertile territory stretching across the valleys of the Cowlitz River and the lower Columbia River. Their lives were interwoven with the rhythms of the land and water – fishing for abundant salmon, hunting deer and elk, gathering roots and berries, and navigating their intricate trade networks in cedar canoes. Their culture was rich, their communities thriving, sustained by an intimate knowledge of their environment and a spiritual connection to the natural world.
The arrival of European and American settlers in the 19th century brought a cataclysmic shift. Diseases decimated their populations, and the relentless march of manifest destiny dispossessed them of their ancestral lands. Unlike many other tribes in the Pacific Northwest, the Cowlitz were never granted a treaty with the U.S. government. A proposed treaty at Tansey Point in 1855, intended to relocate the Cowlitz to a reservation, was never ratified by Congress. This bureaucratic oversight had devastating consequences: it rendered the Cowlitz a "landless tribe" in the eyes of the federal government, denying them the recognition, services, and sovereign rights that other tribes secured through formal agreements.
"We were erased from the maps, but never from our own memory," remarked a tribal elder during a recent cultural gathering, reflecting on the generations that lived without a land base. This landless status forced the Cowlitz to scatter, often living on the fringes of society, working as laborers, loggers, and farmers. Yet, despite the immense pressures to assimilate, the Cowlitz people clung fiercely to their identity, language, and traditions. Family networks became the bedrock of their survival, passing down oral histories, traditional practices, and a deep understanding of who they were. The spirit of Chief Scanewa, a revered Cowlitz leader who tirelessly advocated for his people in the early 19th century, continued to inspire generations.
The fight for federal recognition became the defining struggle of the 20th century for the Cowlitz Tribe. Decades of relentless advocacy, legal battles, and political lobbying marked this arduous journey. Tribal leaders and members poured over historical documents, meticulously compiled genealogies, and presented irrefutable evidence of their continuous existence as a distinct political entity. It was a testament to their unwavering determination that, in 2002, after a petition that spanned more than two decades, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe finally received federal acknowledgment from the U.S. Department of the Interior.
This was a profound shift. Federal recognition brought with it the inherent rights of sovereignty, the ability to govern themselves, and access to vital federal programs for healthcare, education, and housing. More importantly, it affirmed their identity, correcting a historical injustice that had lingered for over a century and a half.
With recognition came the opportunity to establish a land base. In 2015, the Department of the Interior took 152 acres of land in Ridgefield, Washington, into trust for the Cowlitz Tribe, marking the first time in their history that they had a reservation. This land, strategically located along the I-5 corridor, became the site of their most ambitious economic development project: the ilani casino.
Opened in 2017, ilani quickly became a major economic engine for the region. It’s more than just a gaming destination; it’s a symbol of self-sufficiency and a tangible manifestation of the tribe’s sovereignty. "ilani means ‘sing’ in the Cowlitz language," explained a tribal spokesperson, highlighting the deep cultural connection embedded in the project. "It’s about our voice being heard, about celebrating our culture and our future."
The revenue generated by ilani has been transformative. It has enabled the tribe to invest heavily in its community, creating programs and services that were once unimaginable. These include:
- Healthcare: Building and operating a modern health clinic that serves tribal members and often the surrounding community, providing comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health services.
- Education: Funding scholarships for higher education, developing early childhood education programs, and supporting K-12 initiatives to ensure Cowlitz youth have every opportunity to succeed.
- Housing: Developing safe and affordable housing options for tribal members.
- Social Services: Providing essential support for elders, families, and those in need.
- Infrastructure: Investing in roads, utilities, and community facilities on their trust land.
Beyond the economic impact, the resurgence of the Cowlitz Tribe is deeply rooted in a vibrant cultural revitalization. With a land base and resources, the tribe has redoubled its efforts to reclaim and celebrate its heritage. Language immersion camps are being held to teach the Cowlitz language, a dialect of the Sahaptin language family, to younger generations. Traditional arts such as basket weaving, carving, and beadwork are being taught and preserved. Annual salmon ceremonies, canoe journeys, and powwows bring tribal members together, reinforcing community bonds and celebrating their ancestral customs.
"We are still here. Our ancestors’ spirits guide us," said a young Cowlitz artist, showcasing a meticulously crafted cedar basket. "We’re not just building buildings; we’re rebuilding our spirit, our connection to who we are." The tribe actively works to educate the public about its history and culture, fostering understanding and dispelling misconceptions. They engage in environmental stewardship, recognizing their traditional role as guardians of the land and water, particularly advocating for salmon habitat restoration in the Cowlitz River system.
The path ahead is not without its complexities. Managing rapid growth, addressing historical trauma, and ensuring that cultural values remain at the forefront of development are ongoing challenges. The tribe also navigates the intricate landscape of federal, state, and local governments, asserting their sovereign rights while also building collaborative relationships.
Yet, the Cowlitz Tribe stands as a powerful example of Indigenous resilience and self-determination. From a people once considered "landless" and nearly erased from official records, they have risen to become a formidable force, charting their own destiny. Their story is a testament to the enduring strength of cultural identity, the power of collective action, and the profound impact of finally being recognized.
The ilani casino, therefore, is far more than a place of entertainment. It is a modern longhouse, a symbol of a people who, against incredible odds, have not only survived but are thriving. It represents the Cowlitz Tribe’s unwavering commitment to building a brighter future for their children and grandchildren, ensuring that the legacy of Chief Scanewa and generations of ancestors will continue to sing loudly for centuries to come.
